Buckeyes (9-0) vs. Spartans (3-6): Match-Up Preview 11/11 7:30 PM EST.

November 10, 2023

Andy Billman

Gameday Preview Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Michigan State Spartans


Buckeyes Prepare for Game 10 of Season Against Michigan State on Saturday: 

1 – Harrison and Henderson

This is the perfect opponent for Marvin Harrison Jr. to showcase why he deserves the Heisman trophy and why TreVeyon Henderson is the best back in the country.

2 – Style Points

Michigan State is the first opponent that Ohio State is going up against that has a chance to get some style points.  If I were Ryan Day, I would want to run it up against Sparty to win over the college football playoff committee. 

3 – Mistakes

The one opportunity that the Spartans have in this game is if the Buckeyes start to turn over the ball and overlook the Spartans.

Overall

This is the rare opportunity for the Buckeyes to win big against an opponent who is going to have a hard time keeping it close.  Ohio State must take advantage of this opportunity to display why they are the best team in the country on NBC.  

The Buckeyes’ offense hasn’t showcased its usual dynamism in recent years, yet their defense has been exceptional this season. I anticipate Ohio State will stifle the Spartans, banking on their strong defensive performance. The real question lies in whether the Spartans can contain the Buckeyes’ offense and keep them from hitting the 40-point mark.

Game Prediction

Michigan State’s run defense is holding up well, permitting just 3.6 yards per carry and 128.6 rushing yards per game. However, their pass defense hasn’t been as impressive, allowing an average of 222.3 yards per contest. It’s a concerning spread, but considering the recent prowess of the Buckeyes’ defense, I’m inclined to favor Ohio State to cover this game easily.

Buckeyes win, give all of the -31.5.  Bucks roll 56-7


Ohio State Buckeyes Notes

Ohio State Buckeyes, with a pristine 9-0 record, triumphed over Rutgers, securing a 35-16 victory as 19-point favorites on the road. Despite gaining 328 total yards and conceding 361 in return, they maintained possession for 24 minutes and 23 seconds. While holding a five-point lead with 14 minutes remaining in the final quarter, they navigated through the game without succumbing to late dramatics. Quarterback Kyle McCord, a junior, completed 19 of 26 passes for 189 yards, achieving three touchdowns but also an interception. Junior running back TreVeyon Henderson showcased his prowess with 22 rushes for 128 yards and a touchdown, complemented by five receptions for 80 yards. Additionally, Junior WR Marvin Harrison Jr., despite a modest four catches for 25 yards, managed to score twice.

Head coach Ryan Day emphasized their ultimate goal of claiming the top spot, stating, “Our goal is to be No. 1 at the end.” He acknowledged their strong start and victories over formidable opponents, underscoring the team’s focus on surmounting challenges. Day credited Rutgers for offering a significant challenge during the game.

Ohio State’s offensive statistics position them with an average of 32.8 points per game (tied-33rd in the nation), showcasing 283.2 passing yards (25th) and 134.3 rushing yards (90th). Defensively, they are formidable, allowing only 10.7 points per game (2nd), with 156.7 passing yards (3rd) and 114.4 rushing yards (27th).

Kyle McCord’s season has been marked by a 65.0 percent completion rate, amassing 2,352 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and four interceptions. Marvin Harrison Jr. has been a standout, securing 52 receptions for 914 yards and ten touchdowns, while TreVeyon Henderson has contributed significantly, accumulating 755 yards from scrimmage and seven scores.


Spartans Notes

Michigan State’s victory against Nebraska, ending their six-game losing streak, was a hard-fought 20-17 win last Saturday. They outpaced the Cornhuskers, racking up 295 yards to their 277, and dominated the turnover battle 3-0. In Week 10, freshman quarterback Katin Houser completed 13 of 20 passes for 165 yards and a touchdown, with fellow freshman QB Sam Leavitt contributing a 25-yard touchdown on a 1-of-2 passing record. Senior wide receiver Montorie Foster Jr. showcased his skills with four receptions for 94 yards and a touchdown, while sophomore running back Nathan Carter contributed 50 yards on 15 carries.

Michigan State’s interim head coach, Harlon Barnett, expressed immense satisfaction for the team’s long-awaited win. He emphasized their focus on the “finish,” a goal they successfully achieved in this game.

The team has struggled to hit the 20-point mark in seven recent outings, averaging just 18.2 points per game (ranking 123rd nationally) while conceding 26.6 points per game (tied-74th).

Nathan Carter leads the Spartans in rushing, amassing 659 yards and four touchdowns on 156 carries. Wide receivers Montorie Foster Jr. and Tre Mosley have combined for 724 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Katin Houser has thrown for 674 yards, three touchdowns, and two interceptions so far in the season.


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